Fire safety glass is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of flames, smoke and toxic gases, therefore protecting people, property and possessions in the unfortunate event of a fire. However, its capabilities extend far beyond just fire resistance.
In fact, with the correct technical guidance, it is possible for a glazing system to deliver not only high levels of fire protection, but also to perform a myriad of different functions, making it a versatile choice for many different projects.
Typically, fire safety glass is constructed from a number of layers of toughened glass with the space between them filled with intumescent gel. This gel reacts to heat, expanding to form a protective barrier against smoke and flames. By incorporating different counterpanes, manufacturers can tailor the glass to meet specific project needs, such as improving thermal performance or providing attack resistance.
Fire safety glass is not limited to traditional uses in windows and doors.
Its versatility means it can be used in façades, atria, partitions, spandrel panels and balustrading, to name but a few. This adaptability makes it an essential material for contemporary architectural designs that prioritise both safety and style.
As building regulations become more stringent, projects are increasingly required to meet a variety of performance criteria. This includes not only fire safety, but also properties such as sound insulation, energy efficiency and reduced solar gain. The multi-functionality of fire safety glass allows it to fulfil these diverse requirements, making it an invaluable asset in modern construction projects.
ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE
Within many commercial and public buildings, creating open, light and contemporary spaces has become a sought-after design trend, with glass at the heart of achieving this. Architects and specifiers are required to meet even more stringent requirements, which has led to the development of glazing systems that help to reduce the transmission of sound and prevent solar gain, in addition to meeting the required fire safety regulations.
Care homes, hospitals, offices and libraries are all further examples of applications that can demand these properties from their fire safety glass, contributing to the creation of a safe, quiet and calm space – whether for the purposes of study and productivity or recovery and comfort.
Through the specification of laminated toughened fire safety glass and technical calculations around the number of glass layers used within a system, it can be carefully engineered to reduce the level of sound transmitted, offering an enhanced acoustic performance.
THE BENEFITS OF LIGHT
Much research has gone into how light affects the occupants of a building – particularly in schools. Light and airy classrooms have been shown in research to have a positive impact on a child’s academic attainment. While replacing a solid wall with a glass partition will succeed in opening up the space and allowing more light into the room, this design choice then requires the specification of a glazing system that delivers fire protection and sound reduction properties.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR CONTROL
A partially glazed building envelope does present some challenges – primarily, how to prevent solar gain. By inserting a glass pane with a solar control coating within the larger glazed system this problem can be mitigated, working to reflect the sun’s UV rays away from the building exterior.
What’s more, this can also work the other way, helping to keep heat in during the winter months for a consistently warm temperature. This not only contributes to a more comfortable indoor climate but also lowers energy costs associated with heating and cooling – yet another example of the multi-functional qualities of fire safety glass. In addition, a building’s aesthetics are a fundamental part of its design and fire safety glass can be used to create striking designs that align with an architect’s and client’s vision.
TRIBE HOTEL, MANCHESTER
A recent example of the successful application of multi-functional fire safety glass is the TRIBE Hotel in Manchester. This modern hotel, located in the bustling Airport City district, required a glazing solution that provided both fire protection and high acoustic performance due to its proximity to the airport.
The design brief for the hotel stated that the glazing system needed to offer 60 minutes of fire integrity and insulation protection. In addition, the hotel wanted to create a peaceful environment for guests, necessitating a sound reduction of more than 50dB. Achieving these dual objectives presented a complex challenge for the project team.
OWS, the specialist responsible for the glazing systems, collaborated closely with Pyroguard’s technical team to integrate a toughened fire safety glass solution, Pyroguard Protect. This product not only met the required 60-minute fire performance standard but also delivered exceptional acoustic properties and light transmission. The glass was installed within aluminium frames across 98 windows throughout the hotel, ensuring compliance with safety regulations while enhancing guest comfort.
A major advantage of using locally manufactured fire safety glass was the reduction in the project’s carbon footprint, enabling the project to minimise transportation emissions, aligning with its sustainability goals.
THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Navigating the complexities of fire safety glass specification requires a strong understanding of both the material and building regulations. Pyroguard’s technical team are often required to collaborate closely with architects and contractors throughout this process, ensuring that the selected glazing solutions meet all necessary compliance standards. Choosing fully certified fire safety glass is essential. The certification process not only validates the performance of the glass but also reinforces the commitment to safety and quality.
As the demands of the construction industry continue to increase, fire safety glass will be required to perform a greater range of functions than ever before. The multi-functionality of modern fire safety glass represents a significant advancement in architectural design and construction. By offering a combination of fire protection, acoustic performance, energy efficiency, solar control and aesthetic appeal, the latest fire safety glass meets the diverse needs of modern projects.
In many ways, a building’s fire protection requirements can be just the start of a specification, with its multi-functionality helping to push the boundaries of architectural and interior design within commercial and public buildings.That said, it is important to retain a sense of balance. It stands to reason that the more you put into a glazing system and the more you try to get out of it, the heavier the overall system could be. It is here that liaising with the technical team of an experienced manufacturer can be most beneficial, helping specifiers satisfy both the fire safety regulations and architectural design. www.pyroguard.eu
"The latest fire safety glass meets the diverse needs of modern projects by offering a combination of fire protection, acoustic performance, energy efficiency, solar control and aesthetic appeal.